Hi friends! Happy Monday! 

I’m very happy to welcome back author MJ Stratton to Austenesque Reviews today. 🙌🏼

Ms. Stratton is celebrating a new release that just came out two weeks ago – A Debt to Be Paid. 🎩

And in this tale we meet a fascinating and inspiring original character – Lady Westland. 🪭

Today, MJ is here to share a different type of author interview – one where she is asking the questions with the real life person who inspired her character, Lady Westland. 📖

We hope you enjoy! 🤗

~ Book Description ~

At fifteen, Elizabeth Bennet is intelligent, perceptive, and doted upon by her father. Life in Hertfordshire is peaceful—until the arrival of Mr. Damian Fiennes, the new master of Netherfield Park. Though outwardly charming, something about him unsettles Elizabeth. She does her utmost to avoid him, yet the spirited young girl captivates Mr. Fiennes, and he is determined to possess her. When a series of manipulations ensnares both Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet, father and daughter find themselves trapped in a perilous situation—and with only one means of preserving their family’s good name, Elizabeth must marry the very man she mistrusts. With no other option, she consents, sacrificing her freedom to safeguard her family’s honor.

Disillusioned by the shallow flirtations of London society, Darcy encounters a remarkable young woman unlike any he has known—intelligent, graceful—and married. Mrs. Elizabeth Fiennes captivates him at once. Warned away by his cousin, who has heard dark tales of the lady’s husband, Darcy does not see her for some time. When fate reunites them, both are grieving in their own way, and a quiet, powerful bond begins to form. Elizabeth is now a widow, and Darcy sees happiness in his grasp.

Yet as swiftly as his feelings deepen, she vanishes. Their paths cross once more when Darcy arrives in Hertfordshire with Mr Bingley. Haunted still by the shadows of her past, Elizabeth guards her heart. Determined not to lose her again, Darcy sets out to win it—but freeing her from the ghosts of all she has endured may be the greatest challenge he has ever faced.

A Debt to be Paid is a medium-angst, forced-marriage Pride and Prejudice variation.

Note: Non-graphic instances of narcissistic manipulation and abuse are present in this book.

~ Interview between MJ Stratton and Suzanne Godfrey ~

Meet the Real Suzanne Godfrey, the Woman Who Inspired the Creation of Lady Westland

One of the great pleasures of writing fiction—particularly historical fiction—is discovering how real lives quietly shape imagined worlds. In A Debt to Be Paid, readers will meet Lady Westland, a character defined by resilience, generosity, and quiet strength. What many may not realize is that Lady Westland was inspired by a very real woman: Suzanne Godfrey.

Suzanne graciously agreed to share her experience of seeing elements of her own life reflected in fiction, and her answers offer a fascinating glimpse into the powerful intersection of life, literature, and imagination.

How did you first learn that an author had created a character inspired by you, and what was your initial reaction?

In December of 2024, I met the ever-so-talented author MJ Stratton at a community Kris Kringle Christmas event. It was similar to a farmer’s market, though held inside a community dance hall to escape the cold.

She approached my booth, which featured a wide variety of items—small sculptures, a few antiques, vintage Coca-Cola bottles, and antique Christmas décor. But my favorites—and MJ’s too—were the antique jewelry pieces. As a side hobby and small side hustle, my brother and I have been collecting antique jewelry for years.

MJ spotted an antique cameo that immediately caught her eye. She shared that she was searching for inspiration for a book, and of course I was instantly intrigued. I asked her to tell me more, never imagining that our conversation would later blossom into a character within her story.

What does it feel like to see parts of yourself reflected in a fictional character?

It is both exciting and deeply imaginative. It makes me think about what life was like during the Regency period and wonder whether my own life experiences might have unfolded in similar ways had I lived then. There’s something surreal and moving about recognizing familiar emotions and values in a historical setting.

Were there any traits, habits, or moments in the story that made you smile because they felt especially “you”?

Yes—definitely. In real life, I have experienced a challenging relationship with a narcissist, and I am also a single mother. Those experiences shape a person in lasting ways.

I have also always felt a strong desire to help other women—especially those navigating difficult seasons of life. I have tried to champion them when they are in need, just as I have been fortunate to have other women do the same for me. Seeing those qualities reflected in Lady Westland felt incredibly meaningful.

Did seeing yourself through an author’s lens change the way you see yourself in real life?

It encouraged reflection. Seeing aspects of my life interpreted through fiction made me more aware of my own growth, strength, and resilience. It reminded me that even difficult chapters can hold purpose and meaning.

What do you think readers might misunderstand about the character that you’d love to clarify?

I think readers may underestimate the quiet strength behind the character’s compassion. Her kindness is not naïveté—it is earned, informed by experience, and chosen deliberately. That distinction feels important.

Is there a moment or line involving your character that felt particularly meaningful or touching to you?

Without giving anything away, there are moments where Lady Westland offers support without judgment—moments that reflect the kind of help that changes lives simply by being present. Those passages resonated deeply with me.

Has this experience changed how you read fiction, now that you know how real people can inspire characters?

Yes, absolutely. I always knew that authors drew inspiration from real people, but now I read fiction with a much deeper awareness. I find myself thinking about whose stories might be woven into the pages—and even narrating my own life a bit more thoughtfully.

It has caused me to pause before speaking or acting, imagining how those moments might appear if someone were writing my story. It’s fascinating how literature and self-reflection intertwine.

What would you say to someone who might one day find themselves immortalized in fiction?

It is a wonderful and truly unique experience. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I’ve even shared the book with close friends in Bath, England—where Jane Austen herself once lived and visited—which makes the experience feel all the more special.

Finally, what do you hope readers take away from your character’s journey?

That life will undoubtedly bring challenges to all of us. But we have the opportunity to use those challenges to pay it forward—to uplift, help, and inspire others through what we have learned.

This, to me, is one of life’s greatest joys: helping others and allowing ourselves to be inspired in return. That is exactly what has happened to me through this experience. I have been inspired by MJ Stratton.

Lady Westland may belong to the pages of Regency England, but her heart, strength, and compassion are firmly rooted in the present—thanks to Suzanne Godfrey, the woman who inspired her.

This was lovely, MJ! Thank you so much for sharing. I love the idea of someone from your life inspiring such a character. What a way to honor or pay tribute to someone special you know!

~ GIVEAWAY TIME! ~

MJ Stratton is generously giving away TWO ebooks of A Debt to be Paid in conjunction with this blog visit!!  Woot woot! 

To enter this giveaway, leave a comment, question, or some love for MJ!

• This giveaway is open worldwide.  Thank you, MJ Stratton!
• This giveaway ends January 31st.